| Prep: 20 mins | Cook: 60 mins | Difficulty: Medium | Serves: 6 |
| kcal | fat | saturates | carbs |
| 492 | 24g | 6g | 32g |
| sugars | fibre | protein | salt |
| 20g | 6g | 38g | 1.26g |
My culinary explorations, as with most things, have their roots. Sometimes it’s the authentic Creole flavors of my Louisiana upbringing. Other times it’s the elegant, time-honored techniques from my French ancestry. Today’s nutritional journey centers on a sensational fruit-loaded classic dish: Moroccan Chicken Tagine with Saffron and Figs.
A Fusion of Cultures and Traditions
Marrying unlikely ingredients often leads to the most delightful culinary surprises—in this case, an enticing African dish with a French twist. The Moroccan Chicken Tagine with Saffron and Figs is a treasure trove of flavors, mesmerizing your taste buds with its crafted blend of spices, chicken, and fruity elegance. As it simmers, every ingredient confidently contributes its unique character to the Tagine, evoking the warm, vibrant hues of bustling Moroccan souks.
The Intriguing Health Benefits
Beyond simply delighting your palate, what I cherish about this Moroccan Tagine recipe are the health benefits it offers with every bite. The dish is rich in lean proteins from the chicken, containing all the essential amino acids your body requires. The figs bring a nutritious punch of dietary fiber, aiding digestion. Including golden-colored turmeric offers powerful anti-inflammatory effects and is a potent antioxidant. Finally, the saffron threads, being one of the world’s most expensive spices, are not just there for their rich, earthy taste, they offer benefits for mood, heart health, and digestion.
Pleasant Partnerships
If you’re looking for a perfect companion to the Moroccan Chicken Tagine with Saffron and Figs, I recommend serving it over a bed of fluffy couscous or freshly baked Moroccan bread (a href=”https://www.thespruceeats.com/moroccan-khobz-recipe-2394640″ target=”_blank”>khobz), perfect for scooping up every delicious morsel. As for similarities, the dish shares certain characteristics with the cooking methods of traditional stews or slow-cook casseroles.
In the end, the love I hold for this dish lies not only in its rich eclectic flavors or its generous health benefits but also the sense of adventure it brings to the dining table. Every time you lift the lid of the Tagine, you release the distinct aromas and welcome a piece of Morocco into your home.
What You’ll Need
- 3 lbs chicken, preferably thighs and legs
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 onions, thinly sliced
- 5 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons grated fresh ginger
- 1 teaspoon ground coriander
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon ground turmeric
- 1/2 tsp saffron threads, soaked in 2 tablespoons warm water
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 1/2 cups dried figs, halved
- 1 cup carrrots, cut into chunks
- 1/2 cup green olives, pitted
- 1 tablespoon honey
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh mint
- 1 lemon, zested and juiced
Method
Step One
Start by heating the olive oil in a large pan over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the chicken, season with salt and pepper, and cook until the chicken is browned and cooked through. This should take approximately 10 minutes. Once cooked, remove the chicken from the pan and set aside.
Step Two
In the same pan, add the thinly sliced onions, garlic, and ginger. Saute these ingredients until the onion has softened and turned translucent. This process should take about 5 minutes.
Step Three
Next, add the ground coriander, cinnamon, turmeric, and the saffron threads soaked in water to the pan. Stir well to combine these ingredients, cooking for about 2 minutes to allow the spices to release their aroma.
Step Four
Now, return the cooked chicken to the pan, and add in the chicken broth, dried figs, carrots, and green olives. Bring this mixture to a simmer, cover the pan, and allow to cook for about 20 minutes.
Step Five
After 20 minutes, uncover the pan and stir in the honey, fresh cilantro, fresh mint, and lemon zest and juice. Let the Tagine cook for an additional 10 minutes.
Step Six
Taste and adjust the seasoning if necessary. The Moroccan Chicken Tagine with Saffron and Figs is now ready to be served. Enjoy this flavorful dish with some warm bread or couscous.
